25/05/11
For readers who have not have heard of Talons, can you give us a brief idea of what you do…
We're a 6-piece playing instrumental music, which is kind of post hardcore with influences from lots of other genres. We have two violin players who add a classical touch and are an integral part of our sound.
The British rock scene is a very competitive place to be at the moment, do you think you have presented music fans with something new and different with your instrumental sound?
We'd like to think so, of course comparisons can be drawn with other bands, particularly ones that influence us, but we've worked to make our own 'sound' that puts us apart from bands who play similar music to us.
Was being an instrumental band a conscious decision or did you just lack a
vocalist at the time of forming?
Before I joined, Talons actually formed from another band, Kites, which was also an instrumental band, playing music that leant more towards post-rock. The name change came with a new line up, but there was never a specific quest to find a singer. It was more of a case of there not being one that suited the sound, and the band working with what they had.
Would you ever consider collaborating with any vocalists and, in a dream world, who would they be?
It's something we've all talked about; it'd be interesting to see how working with a singer affects the way we write. As for whom, that's tough! Maybe Gary Numan would work with us now that he's on the new Battles album.
It is often the case in bands that the vocalist becomes the face of the band and would take lead in interviews and photo shoots, do you have someone in the band who takes a leading role?
When we play live, Sam (guitar) is the 'Main Guy' as he introduces the songs and someone shouted that at him a while ago, so it stuck. When we write material, Oli comes up with the main structure of the songs, and we base our parts around his guitar lines. However we don't really have a leading member - we're all in this equally.
You released your debut album, Hollow Realm, in November last year – what kind of response have you got from that?
So far we've had a really good response to the album, mostly good reviews and general positive feedback. It's amazing to have good feedback from people like Mike Diver (previous editor of Drowned In Sound who is now editor for BBC music), whose reviews we've always regarded highly.
Your sound is hard quite hard to pigeon-hole because of the combination of hardcore, post-rock and softer elements like tender violins - do you have any main influences who steered you towards your sound?
I think that comes from our differing music tastes; none of us really listen to the same thing. We do listen to hardcore and post-rock such as These Arms Are Snakes, Assfactor 4 and Mogwai, but there's kind of 'homages' to a lot of stuff we listen to on our debut album, such as nu-metal and crunk.
Emotion in music is often expressed by the use of lyrics, do you think you can still express the same messages through the use of your instruments?
I suppose in instrumental music the emotion is expressed in a more abstract manner. What I like about instrumental music is that the message is often left to the listener's interpretation, allowing people to react to it as they see fit.
You have played alongside musicians such as Rolo Tomassi and Frank Turner - how have their audiences reacted to your sound?
We're always pleasantly surprised when we get a warm reception opening for bigger bands, especially when we play with bands that we sound nothing like! Some of our favourite gigs have been opening for bigger bands, as it's always a really good atmosphere from crowds and the bands alike.
You are touring the UK in April, is there anywhere you are particularly excited to visit?
It'll be great headlining at the Norwich Arts Centre, and I'm personally also looking forward to playing at the Brudenell in Leeds again, as we've never headlined there before.
Apart from the playing, what is the best part about being on tour?
Being able to get away from our jobs and studies to travel to places some of us have never been to is awesome. It's exhausting in the best way possible.
...and the worst part?
Countless hours crammed together in the van is not too fun. Especially when it's treacherous conditions and we're either freezing or clinging on to each other for dear life as the van skids all over the place.
After the tour, what are the plans for Talons in 2011?
We're going to keep gigging and try to get as much done as possible until we all go to uni in September, when we obviously won't be able to play as many shows. We're also going to start writing our next release, which is in the very early stages at the moment.
Finally, have you ever played Norwich and are you looking forward to it?
Yes, the last time we played was supporting This Will Destroy You at the Arts Centre, where we'll be returning in April to headline. We're really excited about it, as it's one of the nicest venues we've played in!
Ellie Smith
Talons headline the Norwich Arts Centre on Friday 8th April. Tickets available at www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk or call the NAC on 01603 660352.